Marcos Jr on verge of historic win as Philippine presidential campaign ends

13 Sept 09:20 Key points summarised by AI

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set for a historic landslide victory in the Philippine presidential election, marking a significant rehabilitation of his family's controversial legacy.
The prospect of his presidency raises alarms among rights activists and analysts who fear potential rule "without constraint," weakened democratic checks, increased corruption, and constitutional changes.
Marcos Jr.'s strong support is fueled by public anger over corruption and poverty under previous governments, bolstered by a well-funded social media campaign that has reshaped historical narratives.
Despite a late surge, main rival Leni Robredo faces an uphill battle, with pollsters indicating a minimal chance of overcoming Marcos Jr.'s commanding lead.

Detained Suu Kyi receives UK royal package: Myanmar govt

Today 03:08 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's detained Nobel laureate, Aung San Suu Kyi, received a package from Britain's King Charles III, which included two gardening books, a sealed envelope, and diplomatic communication.
The event marked the first release of images of Suu Kyi in two months and saw Myanmar authorities describe her as a "special female prisoner" for the first time.
Suu Kyi, who was deposed in a 2021 military coup that triggered an ongoing civil war, remains under house arrest on charges that rights groups contend are politically motivated.